Cavities, otherwise known as caries or tooth decay, occur when plaque rest upon enamel and damages the outer surface of the teeth. If you are an individual suffering from cavities, it is important that you get treatment as soon as possible. Untreated cavities can eventually lead to damage in the delicate tissue and nerves that lie within your teeth.
Treatment options for cavities comes in a multitude of platforms. Most often times they will occur in a filling form. The good news is that we have come a long way from treating cavities with those ugly traditional metal fillings. Here are some types of fillings that are currently available.
- Amalgam Fillings
These types of fillings have been used for more than 100 years and are still used today. These are your typical combination of elemental metals that result in a silver type of colored. They aren’t nearly as natural looking as other types of fillings.
- Composite Fillings
These fillings are a tooth color material made from glass, or quarts and resin. These fillings are more durable and look more natural than amalgam fillings.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomers are also tooth colored. They are made of acrylic and glass and are used to fill cavities at the root surfaces of the teeth.
- Resin Ionomer Fillings
Resin ionomers are natural looking fillings made from acrylic and glass filler. They are made to fill small cavities between teeth or on the root surfaces of teeth.
- Custom Made Dental Restorations
If circumstances apply, you may need a special custom form of a filling for your tooth. This includes a custom made inlay that filled the removed portion of your tooth. These restorations can be made from porcelain, metal allows, gold, or composite materials. Porcelain restorations are durable, but the material can irritate adjacent teeth.
For more information on how fillings will rejuvenate your smile and help with cavities, call Dr. Yamada in Manhattan Beach, CA at 310-546-2595 or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com.
Dr. Yamada also proudly accepts patients from Manhattan Beach, Ranchos Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, Redonda Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Torrance, Playa Del Rey, and surrounding areas.